Gladiators take care of GPAA 12-2, Fortenberry records an inside-the-park-homer

It’s Gladiator Baseball in the front and party in the back as Cassi Windham and her mom Andi Windham showoff their custom shirts that pay homage to sophomore Gladiator Ty Windham and his infamous mullet hair do. Ty is Casssi’s younger brother. (Barry Byers)

Italy — The Italy Gladiators made fairly quick work of the visiting Grand Prairie Advantage Academy Eagles on Friday after winning via the run rule, 12-2 in the top of the fifth-inning.

It was the second time Italy has run ruled GPAA in district play with the Gladiators blowing out the Eagles during their first meeting, 24-1.

Tyler Anderson started off on the mound for Italy with Tyler Vencill starting the game at catcher. Levi McBride closed the game out from the mound with John Escamilla finishing up the game as catcher after switching with Vencill.

Gladiator fans Andi Windham and her daughter Cassi Windham were tracking strikeouts behind the plate with home made “K” signs with Italy’s pitching staff really making a name for themselves this season. Anderson, a senior, gets plenty of help from their three-headed sophomore mound monster of Ryan Connor, Ty Windham and Levi McBride who have simply been getting the job done when called on.

Against the Eagles, Kevin Roldan started out covering first-base but later switched with fellow senior Bailey Walton. Zain Byers played second-base, Ty Windham was the shortstop and John Byers covered third where he made a diving tag late in the contest. Fortenberry, Boyd and McBride handled the outfield chores but Grand Prairie’s offensive was not very demanding.

Italy pulled away midway thru the contest when Junior Kyle Fortenberry, known around these parts as “Catfish,” casted his bat at a pitch outside and unreeled a liner into right field. Grand Prairie struggled with the relay allowing Fortenberry to scamper all the way home for a 2 run inside-the-park-homer. Fellow junior, John Byers also scored as a result of Fortenberry’s long-ball effort.

Senior speedster Eric Carson, Vencill, Cody Boyd, Zain Byers, Bailey Walton, Anderson, McBride, Roldan, Escamilla and John Byers put up another strong offense performance with the Gladiators on a hitting tear as of late. Italy’s overall on base percentage per player is high across the board which has made it difficult for anyone in the district to alter their destiny.

Ty Windham nearly ended the game with a inside-the-park homerun but held up at third-base, settling for a triple. However, McBride followed up with a game winning RBI to score Windham and end the game with Italy on top.

The Gladiators improve to 6-0 in district and remain alone in 1st place of the standings.

The card for Tuesday’s upcoming games:

4:30pm — Italy Baseball: JV vs Wortham

5:30pm — Italy Softball: V vs Avalon (district)

7:00pm — Italy Baseball: Varsity vs Avalon (district)

Go Italy!

Junior Gladiator Kyle “Catfish” Fortneberry(14) goes fishing for a home run and catches Grand Prairie unaware. Fortenberry uncorked a shot into right field recording a 2 run homer, his first of the season. (Barry Byers)

Junior Gladiator John Byers(18) reaches home all the way from first-base thanks to a 2 run home run shot from teammate Kyle Fortenberry. (Barry Byers)

And here he comes! Kyle Fortenberry(14) rounds second and eventually beats the relay to the plate for a 2 run inside-the-park-home run. (Barry Byers)

Kyle Fortenberry(14) gets congratulated by teammates after recording his first homer of the 2014 season. It was Italy’s fourth home run ball this season, their third inside-the-park accomplishment. (Barry Byers)

Senior Gladiator Kevin Roldan(16) gets hit by a pitch and then is awarded first-base. Roldan has a knack for getting on base. (Barry Byers)

Senior Gladiator Zain Byers(5) slides into second-base and then hustles to third-base on the overthrow. (Barry Byers)

The Eagle pitcher forces Zain Byers(5) back to third. (Barry Byers)

Senior Gladiator Eric Carson(2) looks for a chance to steal third, which he does with ease. (Barry Byers)

Eric Carson(2) hits his way onto first-base for the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Sophomore pitcher Levi McBride(1) closes out the game for Italy with fellow pitcher Tyler Anderson, a senior, getting the win. (Barry Byers)

After an overthrow, Ty Windham(12) makes his way to the next base. Go, mullet-man, go! (Barry Byers)

Ty Windham(12) dances his way across home plate as the game winning runner batted in by teammate Levi McBride. (Barry Byers)

Levi McBride(1) and the Gladiators trot off victorious with McBride recording a game winning RBI to help Italy run rule visiting Grand Prairie Advantage Academy for the second time in district play. Italy won 12-2 in the top of the fifth-inning. (Barry Byers)

If you are need of a place to set up an office for you to have a business atmosphere and ample room to conduct your business, you are in luck. There is office space available at 177 Dome Park Place, Italy, Texas with easy access to I-35E.

For those of you in the city of Italy and surrounding areas, Monolithic always welcomes donated medical equipment and is currently in need of all types of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc. The donated items are distributed as a FREE service to those in need.

With over 40 years experience, Monolithic, Inc., is making available its ability to spray/coat Polyurethane Foam on just about anything needing to to be made leak proof or sound proof wether it’s fortifying a roof, a shed, a cooler, a basement ceiling or even your vehicle!

(972) 483-1000

Italy Auto Sales, owned and operated by Ray Omar and Adam Aly since 2016, is conveniently located near the intersection of Hwy 34 and Hwy 77 and specializes in selling pre-owned cars, SUVs. and trucks. Open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Call: 972-483-1922 to get the wheels turning!

Located in Ellis County, right outside of Italy, and in Navarro County in Dawson, just a short drive from Waxahachie, Hillsboro, Ennis or Corsicana, we have clean, comfortable studio efficiencies available for rent.

If you are need of a place to set up an office for you to have a business atmosphere and ample room to conduct your business, you are in luck. There is office space available at 177 Dome Park Place, Italy, Texas with easy access to I-35E.

Little known fact…Milford is the home of a backyard upholstery shop owned by Mr. Clarence Snell. Clarence recently recovered chairs for the offices at Monolithic and the staff couldn’t be happier with the results.

These tables are available for purchase/pick up at Monolithic Dome Headquarters in Italy.
Address: 177 Dome Park Place
Hours: 8:00-5:00 Monday-Friday
Phone: 972-483-7423
PROCEEDS BENEFIT ITALY HIGH SCHOOL BAND